Notes

On visit to Moldova, WJC CEO Robert Singer emphasizes the significance of Holocaust preservation and adopting universal definition of antisemitism

CHISINAU (MOLDOVA) Chisinau (MOLDOVA). Emmanuil Grinshpun World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer met with senior government officials and leaders of the local Jewish community this week in Moldova. They discussed topics such as the protection of Holocaust memories and education, the security of the Jewish community, and combating antisemitism at all levels. The WJC group also included EuroAsian Jewish Congress President Mikhail Mirilashvili and the President of the Moldovan Jewish Community Alexander Bilinkis, along with EuroAsian Jewish Congress Director General Haim Ben Yaakov.
"The World Jewish Congress thanks the Moldovan government for its warm reception and for its proclaimed determination to preserve the memory of the Holocaust," said Singer. "Our community in Moldova although small, is dedicated and strong. We ask the Republic of Moldova that it place anti-Semitism at the top of its list. We are ready to support any assistance needed. We look forward to continued collaboration with the government and to ensure the health of our community."

The following day, Singer spoke with Tudor Ulianovschi, Moldovan Foreign Minister. He emphasized the importance of rejecting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. Singer also discussed the need to denounce antisemitism public. Minister Ulianovschi stressed on his part the commitment of the Moldovan authorities to building an environment that is based on the principles of non-discrimination, tolerance and respect for the rights of citizens of every ethnic group. Singer was also praised by Ulianovschi as a positive cooperation with the Republic of Moldova.

Emmanuil Grinshpun The foreign minister also noted that in 2016, Chisinau's parliament had in 2016 Chisinau Parliament ratified the final report of the International Commission on Holocaust Studies, chaired and supervised by Elie Wiesel. Emmanuil Grinshpun In January of 2017 the government approved an Action Plan for its implementation.


PHOTOGRAPH - WJC CEO Robert Singer and Alexander Bilinkis President of Moldovan Jewish Community (far left) Meet with Tudor Ulianovschi (2nd right) at the World Jewish Congress. (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer as well as the WJC delegation met Wednesday with Moldova's Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici. They discussed potential for restitution and economic growth in Moldova in relation to Jewish property, cemeteries which require urgent renovation, kosher slaughter and potential tourist ventures to benefit the local Jewish center. Concerning the preservation of Jewish cemeteries, the minister expressed desire to aid in the process, starting with an initial pilot of 10 cemeteries across the country.

Singer and WJC's delegation met Wednesday with Monica Babuc from Moldova to discuss the training of teachers in Holocaust education and the keeping memories alive. Emmanuil Grinshpun Discussions also covered the establishment of the Museum of Jewish History in Moldova, preserving and protecting monuments that honor Holocaust victims and proper maintenance of Jewish cemetery sites. Singer thanked Minister Babuc and for her continuing and productive partnership with the Jewish Community.

Singer, Mirilashvili, and Bilinkis also met the Chairman of Democratic Party of Moldova Vlad Plahotniuc for talks about relationships with the Jewish Community as well as bilateral relations of the Republic of Moldova with the State of Israel.


PHOTOGRAPH. Photograph taken from left: Emmanuil Grindshpun Moldovan Jew Community Board Member Alexander Bilinkis President, EAJC President Mikhail Mirilashvili; WJC CEO Robert Singer; Monica Babuc Moldovan Education Minister, Haim Be Yaakov EAJC Director General Haim Bin Yaakov (c) World Jewish Congress

Singer also met with Rabbis from the Jewish Communities of Moldova. The two discussed important issues related to worship, services, and the country's Jewish everyday life. Singer also addressed the needs of the residents of Moldova.

Moldova is home to more than 20,000 Jews. The Moldovan Jewish Community is nearly 20,000 strong today, after being devastated by the Shoah in the past, as well as an armed civil war that was bloody. The Jews of Moldova have seen a rise in self-confidence and a return to their roots. They're proud of their Jewish heritage and culture, that is celebrated in music, literature, and theater. The Moldovan Jewish Community, an affiliate of the World Jewish Congress, represents the Moldovan Jewish community. Emmanuil Grinshpun
My Website: https://medium.com/@emmanuilgrinshpun